- Xi Jinping initiates diplomatic overtures to Central Asian leaders via a China Summit in May.
- Leaders of former Soviet Republics are encouraged to have dialogue via the First Summit in China.
- Russian influence is challenged by Xi Jinping's increasing clout in the former Soviet republics.
This week, Beijing sent invitations to Central Asian leaders to participate in a scheduled first China Summit.
Xi Jinping Uses Superpower Status To Establish Ties with Third Countries
Chinese Leader Xi Jinping invited Central Asian leaders to the first Chinese-Central Asia summit scheduled for May, according to the communique, reported Zawya.
The invitations were sent on Monday and Tuesday to the republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, acknowledged publicly by the invitees, noted Manila Bulletin.
Turkmenistan is one of China's major natural gas providers, which has not confirmed its interest in joining the summit. But the others have signified their intention.
Central Asian Leaders Invited to First Summit in China
Until the middle of the 19th century, these republics were under the influence of the Soviet Union, which was located in Central Asia. Many nations were part of the USSR, but when it was dissolved, these countries became republics.
Due to changes in the geopolitics of the former Soviet republics, the attempts of NATO to rope in Kyiv are seen as a challenge to Russia.
Such moves are seen as Beijing enticing allies of Moscow in the region with political and economic perks like initiating projects like the mammoth road and modern infrastructure that would be an extension of the Chinese Silk Road in that region.
The First China Summit is organized as a structured discussion to iron out deals with interested parties. The region is gifted with minerals that the US and allies, even Turkey, are trying to push to their side due to the region's strategic importance. For Moscow, it is an important area that the west should be kept out of, cited Barrons.
Besides Vladimir Putin, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, EU's Charles Michel, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are courting these nations' favor. Their objective is to get commitment from these republics.
In January 2022, the Chinese leader hosted an online summit on the 30th year of Sino-Central Asian diplomatic relations after the Soviet Union ceased to exist.
Increasing the diplomatic overture of Beijing with four invitations sent last Monday and Tuesday for Nowruz, which is the celebrated Persian new year. The Chinese government sees these moves to bolster bilateral ties fostered through dialogue and discussion with Central Asia regimes.
Summit in China Aims To Link Silk Road
The Tajik news agency Khovar stated that Xi looks forward to these leaders discussing a plan to bolster relations between them, highlighting what Beijing could bring to the table, mentioned by The Citizen.
But not all are okay with increased Chinese influence, as seen by a limited opposition in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, Tajikistan has borders with China have misgivings.
Those who do not trust China's intentions are wary of how it increases its territory, loans owed to Beijing, and the brutality it is accused of on the Muslim Uyghur minority. The Uyghurs are part of Central Asia as well.
Xi Jinping urges all Central Asian leaders to be part of the first summit in China as a kickoff to begin a new era between them.
